Find More Than 52931+ Job Vacancy

Within the Research department of UKHSA Porton Down sits our Emerging Pathogen Serology group. This group was established to build a high throughput SARS CoV-2 serosurveillance service during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in supporting >60 different research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance studies, resulting in over 50 publications. To date, the lab has performed >1,000,000 serology tests since its inception, with this capability growing with expansion into different emerging pathogens to support and respond to the recent incidents such as Lassa Fever and Monkeypox.

We will continue to develop assays against emerging pathogens as required, and to develop, evaluate, and implement serology immunoassays for pathogens detailed in CEPI’s 100-day mission and the WHO Priority Pathogen list. Our lab is now recruiting research scientist positions to support with the groups service and research serology testing.

The post holder will be expected to have laboratory responsibilities in the following areas:

• Perform a range of standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
• Sample receipt, liaising with external partners about sample shipments, labelling up and processing of samples ready for testing
• Serology testing for internal/external research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance using a multitude of serology platforms such as the Roche e801, MesoScale Discovery (MSD), and Luminex serology systems
• Development of new assays, with validation and implementation for routine use

Other duties include:

• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials generated.
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratories following necessary training.
• Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
• Liaise with external/internal collaborators about data, reports and publications
• Undertake all assigned work in accordance with UKHSA's Risk Management Systems, policies and procedures
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
• To comply with all UKHSA’s policies and procedures.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

We are looking for an exceptional Research Scientist.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related
• Higher degree (e.g., MSc/MRes) in biological sciences or related
• Prior experience of working within a research team
• Understanding of different immunology techniques/assays
• Experience of individual research projects

Desirable

• Prior laboratory experience within an immunology research laboratory
• Undertaking individual research projects with collaborators
• Experience of working within a high-throughput laboratory
• Prior experience in working within a team involved in public health incident and responses

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

Name :
Lois Evans-Brown
Email :
Lois.Evans-Brown@reed.com

Recruitment team

Email :
UKHSA.recruitment@reed.com